Experimental comparison of phase‐noise in cross‐coupled RC‐ and LC‐oscillators

Relaxation RC‐oscillators are notorious for their poor phase‐noise performance. However, there are reasons to expect a phase‐noise reduction in quadrature oscillators obtained by cross‐coupling two relaxation oscillators. We present measurements on 5 GHz oscillators, which show that in RC‐oscillators the coupling reduces both the phase‐noise and quadrature error, whereas in LC‐oscillators the coupling reduces the quadrature error, but increases the phase‐noise. A comparison using standard figures of merit indicates that quadrature RC‐oscillators may be a viable alternative to LC‐oscillators when area and cost are to be minimized. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Survey of integrated‐circuit‐oscillator phase‐noise analysis

This tutorial distills the salient phase‐noise analysis concepts and key equations developed over the last 75 years relevant to integrated circuit oscillators. Oscillator phase and amplitude fluctuations have been studied since at least 1938 when Berstein solved the Fokker–Planck equations for the phase/amplitude distributions of a resonant oscillator. The principal contribution of this work is the organized, unified presentation of eclectic phase‐noise analysis techniques, facilitating their application to integrated circuit oscillator design. Furthermore, we demonstrate that all these methods boil down to obtaining three things: (1) noise modulation function; (2) noise transfer function; and (3) current‐controlled oscillator gain. For each method, this paper provides a short background explanation of the technique, a step‐by‐step procedure of how to apply the method to hand calculation/computer simulation, and a worked example to demonstrate how to analyze a practical oscillator circuit with that method. This survey article chiefly deals with phase‐noise analysis methods, so to restrict its scope, we limit our discussion to the following: (1) analyzing integrated circuit metal–oxide–semiconductor/bipolar junction transistor‐based LC, delay, and ring oscillator topologies; (2) considering a few oscillator harmonics in our analysis; (3) analyzing thermal/flicker intrinsic device‐noise sources rather than environmental/parametric noise/wander; (4) providing mainly qualitative amplitude‐noise discussions; and (5) omitting measurement methods/phase‐noise reduction techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A numerical model for the oscillation frequency,the amplitude and the phase‐noise of MOS‐current‐mode‐logic ring oscillators

This paper presents a new model for the frequency of oscillation, the oscillation amplitude and the phase‐noise of ring oscillators consisting of MOS‐current‐mode‐logic delay cells. The numerical model has been validated through circuit simulations of oscillators designed with a typical 130 nm CMOS technology. A design flow based on the proposed model and on circuit simulations is presented and applied to cells with active loads. The choice of the cell parameters that minimize phase‐noise and power consumption is addressed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation and comparison of GHz‐range LC oscillators using time‐varying root‐locus

This paper presents a comprehensive comparison between complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) LC‐oscillator topologies often used in GHz‐range transceivers. The comparison utilizes the time‐varying root‐locus (TVRL) method to add new insights into the operation of different oscillators. The paper focuses on the treatment of the TVRL trajectories obtained for different oscillators and establishes links between the trajectories and physical phenomena in oscillators. The evaluation of the root trajectories shows the advantages of the TVRL method for comparing oscillator topologies, which is also extended towards the analysis of voltage‐controlled oscillators. The necessary circuit simplifications required in closed‐form root‐locus analysis are avoided by the TVRL, which allows precise oscillator comparison and reveals details on the topology specifics. The derived conclusions have been verified by the Cadence Spectre‐RF simulator on 130‐nm CMOS process. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A step‐by‐step approach to compute a consistent initialization for the MNA

One of the difficulties of the numerical integration methods for differential–algebraic equations (DAEs) is the computation of consistent initial values before starting the integration, i.e. calculating values that satisfy the given algebraic constraints as well as the hidden constraints if higher index problems are considered. This paper presents an approach to calculate consistent initial values for index‐2 DAEs starting up from possibly inconsistent ones for systems arising from modified nodal analysis (MNA) in circuit simulation. This article is based on the results from Estévez Schwarz and Tischendorf, International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications 2000; 28 : 131–162. Several of the denotations and results that we use were introduced there in more detail. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A study of amplitude‐to‐phase noise conversion in planar oscillators

This paper explores the many interesting implications for oscillator design, with optimized phase‐noise performance, deriving from a newly proposed model based on the concept of oscillator conjugacy. For the case of 2‐D (planar) oscillators, the model prominently predicts that only circuits producing a perfectly symmetric steady‐state can have zero amplitude‐to‐phase (AM‐PM) noise conversion, a so‐called zero‐state. Simulations on standard industry oscillator circuits verify all model predictions and, however, also show that these circuit classes cannot attain zero‐states except in special limit‐cases which are not practically relevant. Guided by the newly acquired design rules, we describe the synthesis of a novel 2‐D reduced‐order LC oscillator circuit which achieves several zero‐states while operating at realistic output power levels. The potential future application of this developed theoretical framework for implementation of numerical algorithms aimed at optimizing oscillator phase‐noise performance is briefly discussed.     

Time‐domain analysis of phase‐noise and jitter in oscillators due to white and colored noise sources

This paper presents an original time‐domain analysis of the phase‐diffusion process, which occurs in oscillators due to the presence of white and colored noise sources. It is shown that the method supplies realistic quantitative predictions of phase‐noise and jitter and provides useful design‐oriented closed‐form expressions of such phenomena. Analytical expressions and numerical simulations are verified through measurements performed on a relaxation oscillator whose behavior is perturbed by externally controlled noise sources. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimum design of high power and high efficiency mm‐wave fundamental oscillators

A systematic method to design high power and high efficiency mm‐wave fundamental oscillators is presented. By using a linear time variant method, we first obtain the optimum conditions and show that these conditions can be significantly different for high power and high efficiency fundamental oscillation. Next, we propose a modified multistage ring oscillator with interstage passive networks to exploit the full capacity of the transistors in terms of output power or efficiency. Analytical expressions are also derived to determine the value of passive elements used in the oscillator. To verify the validity of the method, a 77‐GHz two‐stage (differential) VCO is designed in a 65‐nm CMOS process. Careful electromagnetic and circuit simulations demonstrate that the designed VCO has 2‐GHz tuning range, maximum output power of 10.5 dBm and maximum DC to RF efficiency of 24.1%. The designed VCO shows 54.8% and 108.7% improvement in terms of maximum output power and efficiency compared with a conventional cross‐coupled VCO with the same tuning range.     

Neural‐network‐based finite‐time H∞ control for extended Markov jump nonlinear systems

This paper presents a neural‐network‐based finite‐time H_∞ control design technique for a class of extended Markov jump nonlinear systems. The considered stochastic character is described by a Markov process, but with only partially known transition jump rates. The sufficient conditions for the existence of the desired controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities such that the closed‐loop system trajectory stays within a prescribed bound in a fixed time interval and has a guaranteed H_∞ noise attenuation performance for all admissible uncertainties and approximation errors of the neural networks. A numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed theoretic results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Global unique solvability for memristive circuit DAEs of Index 1

Known solvability results for nonlinear index‐1 differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs) are in general local and rely on the Implicit Function Theorem. In this paper, we derive a global result which guarantees unique solvability on a given time interval for a certain class of index‐1 DAEs with certain monotonicity conditions. Based on this result, we show that memristive circuit DAEs arising from the modified nodal analysis are uniquely solvable if they fulfill certain passivity and network topological conditions. Furthermore we present an error estimation for the solution with respect to perturbations on the right‐hand side and in the initial value. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New structures of four‐phase oscillators obtained by strongly interweaving mono‐phase limit‐cycle oscillators

The present work is a part of our effort of developing multiphase oscillators. The particular system dealt with here is that of strongly nonlinearly coupled four oscillators that form a multiphase source. Such sources possess potential applications in power electronics, in phased‐array antennas, and in modern methods of modulation and especially in demodulating multi‐phased modulated signals. The present system can be interpreted as embracing four two‐phase oscillators. Nevertheless, as a result of the strong coupling, the second state equation of each oscillator merges with the first equation of the following oscillator. The resulted four‐phase source is, therefore, represented by merely four state equations. The applications related to communications (especially those related to receivers) may be susceptible to the noise performance of the source. We believe that the presently suggested system, which relies on strong coupling of oscillators, is advantageous in its noise performance in comparison to more straightforward recently described multiphase sources, which incorporate loosely coupled oscillators. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Benefits of variable structure techniques for parameter estimation in stochastic systems using least squares method and instrumental variables

In this paper, we study the benefits of the equivalent control method, implemented on parameter estimation algorithms like the least squares method and instrumental variables on continuous‐time stochastic systems. Here, we show how the equivalent‐control, adapted to the stochastic case, improves the performance of these estimation algorithms in continuous‐time systems under white noise perturbations. Some numerical examples show the effectiveness of these techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design of ultra low‐power RF oscillators based on the inversion coefficient methodology using BSIM6 model

This paper presents a fast and accurate way to design and optimize LC oscillators using the inversion coefficient (IC). This methodology consists of four steps: linear analysis, nonlinear analysis, phase noise analysis, and optimization using a figure of merit. For given amplitude of oscillation and frequency, we are able to determine all the design variables in order to get the best trade‐off between current consumption and phase noise. This methodology is demonstrated through the design of Pierce and cross‐coupled oscillators and has been verified with BSIM6 metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor compact model using the parameters of a commercial advanced 40 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A matrix pencil approach to the local stability analysis of non‐linear circuits

This paper addresses local stability issues in non‐linear circuits via matrix pencil theory. The limitations of the state–space approach in circuit modelling have led to semistate formulations, currently framed within the context of differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs). Stability results for these DAE models can be stated in terms of matrix pencils, avoiding the need for state–space reductions which are not advisable in actual circuit simulation problems. The stability results here presented are applied to electrical circuits containing non‐linear devices such as Josephson junctions or MOS transistors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Extension of the variational equation to analog/digital circuits: numerical and experimental validation

Conventional shooting methods cannot be used to determine the steady‐state solution of circuits whose model is characterised by a vector field exhibiting zero order discontinuities. In the analysis of circuits working on a stable limit cycle, this limitation prevents the use of methods that exploit Floquet theory to compute the variational model and thus the properties of the fundamental matrix and, for example, phase noise in oscillators. In this paper, we use an improved shooting method that solves this drawback by resorting to saltation matrices and show how this method makes possible the correct computation of the first left eigenfunction (known as ppv ) of the fundamental matrix. ppv s are a key aspect in determining phase noise. The results obtained through numerical simulations are compared with measurements on a relaxation oscillator serving as a simple but significant comparison vehicle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discontinuity correction in piecewise‐linear models of oscillators for phase noise characterization

Decomposition of noise perturbation along Floquet eigenvectors has been extensively used in order to achieve a complete analysis of phase noise in oscillator. Piecewise‐linear approximation of nonlinear devices is usually adopted in numerical calculation based on multi‐step integration method for the determination of unperturbed oscillator solution. In this case, exact determination of the monodromy matrix can be hampered by the presence of discontinuities between models introduced by the approximation. In this paper we demonstrate that, without the proper corrections, relevant errors occur in the determination of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, if adjacent linear models presents discontinuities. We obtain this result by the analysis of a simple 2‐D oscillator with piecewise‐linear parameter. We also demonstrate that a correct calculation can be achieved introducing properly calculated state vector boundary conditions by the use of interface matrices. This correction takes into account the effects of discontinuities between the linear models, leading to exact calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and, consequently, of the phase noise spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A method for analysing the transient and the steady‐state oscillations in third‐order oscillators with shifting bias

We provide an asymptotic method for systematically analysing the transient and the steady‐state oscillations in third‐order oscillators with shifting bias. The method allows us to construct the general solution of the weakly non‐linear differential equation describing these oscillators through an iteration procedure of successive approximations typical of perturbation methods. The approximation to first order is obtained solving a system of two first‐order non‐linear differential equations in the leading terms of solution (dc component and fundamental harmonic), whereby the dominant dynamics, the stationary states and their stability can be easily analysed. Unlike existing approaches, our method also enables us to determine the higher harmonics as well as the frequency shift from the system's natural frequency in the exact solution through analytical formulae. In addition, formulae for higher‐order approximations of the above quantities are determined. The proposed method is applied to a practical circuit to show its usefulness in both analysis and design problems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fuzzy adaptive leader‐following consensus of second‐order multiagent systems with imprecise communication topology structure

The consensus problem of second‐order nonlinear multiagent systems (MAS) with imprecise communication topology structure is addressed in this paper. Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models are presented to describe the leader‐following MAS with imprecise communication topology structure. By designing the distributed adaptive controller, an efficient framework is proposed for the consensus control of the MAS with both uncertain parameters and input disturbances. Under the conditions that the communication topology is fuzzy union connected and the dynamics of the leader agent is unknown to any agent of followers, the proposed protocol can guarantee that the consensus errors asymptotically approach zeros. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is extended to solve the formation control problem. Sufficient conditions are given for the consensus and formation problems of the MAS based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, a numerical example and multiple pendulum systems are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control protocols.     

A generalized family of memristor‐based voltage controlled relaxation oscillator

Recently, memristive oscillators are a significant topic in the nonlinear circuit theory where there is a possibility to build relaxation oscillators without existence of reactive elements. In this paper, a family of voltage‐controlled memristor‐based relaxation oscillator including two memristors is presented. The operation of two memristors‐based voltage relaxation oscillator circuits is demonstrated theoretically with the mathematical analysis and with numerical simulations. The generalized expressions for the oscillation frequency and conditions are derived for different cases, where a closed form is introduced for each case. The effect of changing the circuit parameters on the oscillation frequency and conditions is investigated numerically. In addition, the derived equations are verified using several transient PSPICE simulations. The power consumption of each oscillator is obtained numerically and compared with its PSPICE counterpart. Furthermore, controlling the memristive oscillator with a voltage grants the design an extra degree of freedom which increases the design flexibility. The nonlinear exponential model of memristor is employed to prove the oscillation concept. As an application, two examples of voltage‐controlled memristor‐based relaxation oscillator are provided to elaborate the effect of the reference voltage on the output voltage. This voltage‐controlled memristor‐based relaxation oscillator has nano size with storage property that makes it more efficient compared with the conventional one. It would be helpful in many communication applications.     

Wide‐band aperture array using a four‐channel manifold‐type planar multiplexer and digital 2‐D IIR filterbank

Emerging wide‐band communications and spectrum‐sensing systems demand support for multiple electronically scanned beams while maintaining a frequency independent, constant far‐field beam width. Realizing existing phased‐array technology on a digital scale is computationally intensive. Moreover, digitizing wide‐band signals at Nyquist rate requires complex high‐speed analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs), which is challenging for real developments driven by the current ADC technology. A low‐complexity alternative proposed in this paper is the use of radio‐frequency (RF) channelizers for spectrum division followed by sub‐sampling of the RF sub‐bands, which results in extensive reduction of the necessary ADC operative frequency. The RF‐channelized array signals are directionally filtered using 2‐D digital filterbanks. This mixed‐domain RF/digital aperture array allows sub‐sampling, without utilizing multi‐rate 2‐D systolic arrays, which are difficult to realize in practice. Simulated examples showing 14–19 dB of rejection of wide‐band interference and noise for a processed bandwidth of 1.6 GHz are demonstrated. The sampling rate is 400 MHz. The proposed VLSI hardware uses a single‐phase clock signal of 400 MHz. Prototype hardware realizations and measurement using 65‐nm Xilinx field‐programmable gate arrays, as well as Cadence RTL synthesis results including gate counts, area‐time complexity, and dynamic power consumption for a 45‐nm CMOS circuit operating at B _DC = 1.1 V, are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.